Sony MDR-Z7 Part 2: Review
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- čas přidán 21. 10. 2014
- Lately Sony has been making a big push to get themselves back in the game as a purveyor of fine listening gear, from new DAPs and audio enabled phones through to high-end stereo components. In the middle of all that sits their headphone range.
The MDR-Z7s were promoted, pre-announcement, as a successor to legendary headphones such as the R10s and Qualia 010s. But at $600-700 (retail, depending on market) are they really?
The answer is "no", but what they have made is a fine headphone, albeit with a few sonic flaws, but interestingly a lot of modding potential!
Edit: Some more thoughts on the mid-range: Not everyone feels the same way about the mid-range as I do. That's good! Probably some of my feelings are the result of listening with the LCD-Xs recently and less so the HD-800s, which some people feel is too thin-sounding for their tastes too.
Edit 3: I found a cheap and reversible mod that fixes everything! • Sony MDR-Z7 Part 3 - Mods
#Sony #MDR-Z7 #headphones #review - Věda a technologie
great video, now i get more of a sense where these stand, apparently not in the tier 1 level, thanks!
Thanks for taking the time to share this. I appreciate you sharing the type of music you listen to etc.
Could you also share what type of amplification you used and comment on what effect, if any, a balanced amp might have on the sound?
Great review!
Thank you, like always very helpful.
Please try to get your hand on Denon DA-10.
Best headphones review ever !
thanks for the advice on ad2000x, but I'm actually asking about the rather not so popular "a2000x", many thanks!
aesthetically reminds me of the Denon D2000 and I suspect they may be similar acoustically?
Do you think if I use them with a good equalizer this "almost there" effekt of hearing would be able to correct?
11:38 that's how I feel about Sony MDR-1R, haha. It's a shame these require modding, because they look awesome and are extremely comfortable. Also want to say I like your videos, they're so laid back and informative, like a friend is telling you about his latest pair of headphones and what he has found out about them. It's a shame that most people are after quick and dirty reviews, because nothing beats (no pun intended) a long video on headphones.
Are these ideal for movies? Am toying with getting these or D2000
Nice review
:)
I have UE 18Pro, and I have SONY PHA-3, so do you think it's a upgrade to Z7 from UE 18Pro, or the other way?
I have the pioneer hdj 2000 mk2, I want the bowers and wilkins P7, v-moda m100 and then these sony headphones and a pair of high end open air headphones and my collection is complete
another question off the topic, can u give some feedback on the ath a2000x? Had not much of a luck in getting a impression, thanks again!
These VS the TH900?
After these have been out for a while the price has dropped, I'm hopeful I can get a used pair in good condition. A few questions, would these be good for mobile use or would the sound card on my phone not do these any justice? I have the Meridian Audio Explorer amp, would that be able to power these well? How portable are these?
Please review xba z5
Ok maybe a stupid question but is there a noticable difference in separation between the channels if you connect the headphones to computer with the regular single 3.5mm plug vs plugging it in with 2 separate 3.5mm plugs into separate left and right channels on the sound card? Or doesnt it matcher since both are obviously stereo channels anyway?
I'm planning to find a new headphone (Upgrading from my current Alessandro MS2) currently which have a warm sound signature. I was interested in this headphone but after browsing some reviews, I grew sceptical towards this headphone. In your opinion, what would be the headphone that may suit with the sound signature that I prefer? Currently, I'm using iFi iCan SE and might be stacking it with iFi Micro iDSD. Nice video and review btw :))
Nvm...I'm too carried away with the sound using bass boost on my amp :D. But yea, it sounds neutral after a couple of hours listening and at some point it might be harsh. I'm considering between this and LCD-2, but it takes lots of time to save up for LCD-2 tho :D
hi very enjoyable thanks
Very nice review of the MDR-Z7. I've read a ton of reviews on headphones in the $500 price range and decided to save up a few more dollars and get the MDR-Z7. I just ordered my set and they should be here around midweek. I enjoy the sound signature of Sony headphones. I've owned 2 pair, enjoyed the sound and the comfort was great. Before I decided on the MDR-Z7 I had the Master & Dynamic MH40 for approximately 3 weeks, and while I enjoyed their sound I found them to be very uncomfortable so I returned them.
+Amos Barnett Thanks for the response. I listen to mostly classic rock, hard rock and metal. What has been your experience with this type of music with the Z7? From what I've read I expect the Z7's signature to do well with that genre of music. Also, I would never have the balls to disassemble my Z7 for mods, so I guess they will forever remain stock. It took to long to save the money to buy them. LOL
Better than MH40?
This headphone takes hours to burn in and when it does will sound amazing. Also use a good amp and you will see the real deal here. For the price these sound better then mot headphones at higher price bracket. Here in Japan had to listen to many high ends semi-open headphones and these Z7s still beat them all dead after couple of months burned in and with a good dac like the LG V20. Also being of a 70 ohms perfectly will make the LG V20 go into high impedance mode. The sound out of these two combo is sublime.
Which amp,?
@@lifeevent88 I use a THX789.
Would you recommend Sony z7 for someone listen to a lot metal?
What's the point of that screw if the pads twist & lock?
great review. These have really divided people on Head Fi. I guess you couldn't expect them to be at the level of the LCD3s or HD800s given the price point - and those are open cans. But what about in relation to other closed cans like the Beyerdynamic T5p, or the Shure 1540 or even the Alpha Dogs ( I picked those because I have them).
That $450 price you mentioned is a real bargain - and if they settle there they'd be competing with a lot of mid range closed cans on the market. How do you think they compare in that mid range closed range?
Well, do you remember a can that didn't divide people on Head-fi? :P I think I'll keep my judgement until I hear them on my own and not take reviews too seriously for now because not a lot of people tried them. I'm hoping they will be at least as good as the Beyer T5p's, because I'm hoping to replace my T1's for a closed-back high end headphone, and T5p's, TH-600's and Z7's are my only picks so far.
derbigpr500 lol, yes, you're right. I've probably spent too much time on the Z7 thread. I'm in the same boat. I've got the T5p's, and I've got no complaint about them but I'm still on the quest for that ultimate closed can. I've ordered the Z7s but they haven't arrived yet.
derbigpr500 I think the Fidelio X2 has only positive remarks. I have it too, it sounds amazing. Does anybody know if the Z7 sounds better or worse, generally speaking.
How would you compare the Z7's to Beyerdynamic 1770 pro or the Shure 1540? I'm trying to find the best closed headphones to use with an Apogee Groove amp in an office setting. Thanks!
A good idea is to check the list of headphones (and other gear) on the "About" page on headphone-earphone.reviews or my Head-Fi profile. Unfortunately I've not owned or borrowed either the 1770 or 1540.
Hi Amos, I'm after a balanced cable for these that terminates in a 2.5mm. I'm wanting to use with a balanced out 2.5mm port on the Onyko dp-x1a portable DAC. Any ideas would be greatly appreciated. Thanks.
There are quite a few aftermarket cable makers such as Moon Audio, Norne Audio and others that could easily make you one. They get a bit expensive though.
Thanks again. Can you also set me straight on the balanced 2.5 mm jack. I thought that balanced needed to have two outputs from the DAC. But with my DAC, the balanced output is a single 2.5 mm connection. Is this really a balanced output? I'm wondering how these DACs defined a 2.5 mm output is a balanced out.
HD650 vs. MDR-Z7, which is the superior headphone in terms of raw soundquality? (obviously MDR-Z7 wins hands down on build quality)
Z7 for sure, with the hd you lose out on low bass and sub bass, you don't miss out on anything with the z7.
Hello,
I am just curious. Are you a professional mixer?
For me as a mixer, the best headphones should not add or take away from the sound they are delivering. Because this is the only way you can be able to distinguish a bad mixed recording from a good one.
What do you think?
Amos, are you trying to say that the Z7 sig can sometimes sound disjointed? I'm rather disappointed after watching your review and touching base with other trusted ears. I was hoping Sony had put out something special.
Can you plz put up the frequency graphs
www.innerfidelity.com/images/SonyMDRZ7.pdf
What genre of music do they sound best ?
Music where a good bass thump is helpful.
The inside of these is pretty rough. They should have used something softer, would be more comfortable when your ears touch the driver.
Sorry Currawong. Do you know how to detach the pads for a Sony Z7M2? Is there any screw inside or only spinning the pads counterclock wise??? I have contact Sony But no answer at all. Thanks so much.
I haven't seen the Z7M2 yet, sorry. I'd try asking in the Z7 thread on Head-Fi.
Thanks so much. I have seen it´s same same System as z7m1. One screw and spinning. I have just changed my pads succesfully. Thanks again.
So if someone is using the Sony MDR 1R,will these headphones be worth an upgrade?
Hehe and normally an audiofile is someone who likes pure sound, no mods. :)
SymponicAngel Yeah , a nice upgrade ! I am thinking about getting them since I already have the MDR 1 A
King Kaka Okay thanks for that!! Yes the MDR 1R are crystal clear and even though there is not an emphasis on bass, the bass is still really clear on them! I think MDR 1A would be even better and I plan to buy the headphones in this video near the end of the year. :)
SymponicAngel No Problem ! Yeah..The bass on the R1 is not the best , but bass on the 1A , this is mindblowing ! I cant even imagine the 70mm Z7... lol ;) yeah I am saving up for the Z7..
King Kaka Awesome!! I am not a fan of crazy bass since I listen to rock alot and like clarity but with the right music good bass is seriously amazing. Hehe when I heard 70mm drivers on the Z7 I thought it was monsterous!! You are right, its a crazy size, I also won't those headphones and would be awesome! :)
What Amp were you using?
***** Ever heard of the V-Moda Vamp Versa? That's my amp of choice because it gives the bass a bit more "firmness" which these apparently need. I think I'm about to pick these up with the kimber cable! Great review!
"Id'e buy these just because they're not noise cancelling headphones, the fewer technology built-in, the better in my opinion, unless it was 1970 for instance, sound gadgets back then were made a bit more serious...just like music itself."
Thanks for the review. Could you tell us if the earpads are replaceable?
I haven't checked how you buy them, but they are very easy to remove. A screw holds each earpad in place, then a quick twist removes them.
Currawong ok thank you very much. Apparently you can buy them from Sony (says the manual)
Is it good for movies and gaming?
I don't know for gaming, but if you're watching action movies all the bass should be good.
How hard are these to drive?
Very easy. The matching Sony DAC/amp had ridiculously low power output.
I look at these, i say YEAH! i look at price, i say MDR-1A for 1/4 the price. xD
The MDR-1A don't fit the same though... these are uber comfortable. Are they worth the $699 at best buy, no... but maybe a $450 range or so.... They are built to last.
My precious... i heard that😂
Finally a headphone reviewer who knows what his talking about.
You must mean COUNTER clockwise. Lol. Never knew the English used anti, interesting.
I am Canadian, we write using mostly English as opposed to Americans(colour vs color) but it seems we speak more like Americans with regards to general speaking. WE rarely say"I reckon." Although, I have heard Americans from the south use that very often.
As for vehicles we call trucks trucks not lorrys. A hood is a hood not a bonnet and the boot is a trunk and gas is gas not petrol.
Off topic, just find it interesting.
for the same price it possible to get hifiman he-500. After that review I had wondered if having sony would be a waste of money in comparison.
You need the Sony Hi-Res Audio PHA-3 to be able to enjoy them
you have the sexiest accent
IMO, this thing needs more time to warm up (burn it). And if you want better all around sounding in it, you need to upgrade the cables and using a audiophile level headphone amplifier to beef it up. Sony is a tricking company that they do thing from their side of views only, not too understand how people look at stuff these days. Not a bad headphone from its price point but with the lack of promoting and explanations makes people confused and underestimated their products every time. Sad.